Career and Education Opportunities for Security Systems Installers in Modesto, California

Many educational and employment opportunities exist for security systems installers in the Modesto, California area. There are currently 6,200 working security systems installers in California; this should grow by 21% to 7,500 working security systems installers in the state by 2016. This is not quite as good as the nation as a whole, where employment opportunities for security systems installers are expected to grow by about 24.8%. Security systems installers generally install, program, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment.

A person working as a security systems installer can expect to earn about $18 hourly or $39,020 annually on average in California and about $17 per hour or $36,660 annually on average in the U.S. as a whole. Security systems installers earn less than people working in the category of Office and Home Equipment generally in California and more than people in the Office and Home Equipment category nationally.

There are twenty-one schools of higher education in the Modesto area, including one within twenty-five miles of Modesto where you can get a degree to start your career as a security systems installer. The most common level of education for security systems installers is a high school diploma or GED. You can expect to spend only a short time studying to be a security systems installer if you already have a high school diploma.

CAREER DESCRIPTION: Security Systems Installer

Security Systems Installer video from the State of New Jersey Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development

In general, security systems installers install, program, and repair security and fire alarm wiring and equipment. They also ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes.

Security systems installers keep informed of new products and developments. They also test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications. Equally important, security systems installers have to drill holes for wiring in wall studs and floors. They are often called upon to set up or repair security systems and related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans. They are expected to feed cables through access holes and cavity walls to reach fixture outlets; then position and terminate cables, wires and strapping. Finally, security systems installers adjust sensitivity of units on the basis of room structures and manufacturers' recommendations, using programming keypads.

Every day, security systems installers are expected to be able to articulate ideas and problems. They need to evaluate problems as they arise. It is also important that they listen to and understand others in meetings.

It is important for security systems installers to confer with clients to gauge risks and to establish security requirements. They are often called upon to ready documents such as invoices and warranties. They also order replacement parts. Somewhat less frequently, security systems installers are also expected to furnish customers with cost estimates for equipment installation.

and mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, and video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring so as to connect parts. And finally, they sometimes have to examine installation sites and study work orders and installation manuals in order to establish materials requirements and installation procedures.

Like many other jobs, security systems installers must have exceptional integrity and be reliable.

Similar jobs with educational opportunities in Modesto include:

Household Appliance Repairer. Repair, adjust, or install all types of electric or gas household appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, and ovens.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Security Systems Installer Training

Merced College - Merced, CA

Merced College, 3600 M St, Merced, CA 95348-2898. Merced College is a large college located in Merced, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 9,028 students. Merced College has an associate's degree and a two to four year program in Electrician which graduated one and zero students respectively in 2008.

Certified Customer Service Specialist:
An individual who successfully passes ETA's World Class CSS Certification exam is professionally recognized as having the ability to uphold the interpersonal and business standards necessary in today's workplace.

Fire Alarm Systems:
This certification program was designed for engineering technicians working in the fire alarm industry who engage in a combination of the following fire alarm systems activities: system layout (plan preparation), system equipment selection, system installation, system acceptance testing, system trouble-shooting, system servicing, and system sales.

LOCATION INFORMATION: Modesto, California

Modesto, California photo by Foolishfish

Modesto is located in Stanislaus County, California. It has a population of over 202,967, which has grown by 7.5% in the past ten years. The cost of living index in Modesto, 91, is below the national average. New single-family homes in Modesto cost $208,400 on average, which is far less than the state average. In 2008, one hundred thirteen new homes were constructed in Modesto, down from two hundred eighty-five the previous year.

The top three industries for women in Modesto are health care, educational services, and accommodation and food services. For men, it is construction, accommodation and food services, and educational services. The average commute to work is about 26 minutes. More than 16.5% of Modesto residents have a bachelor's degree, which is lower than the state average. The percentage of residents with a graduate degree, 5.3%, is lower than the state average.

The unemployment rate in Modesto is 14.4%, which is greater than California's average of 12.3%.

The percentage of Modesto residents that are affiliated with a religious congregation, 43.7%, is less than both the national and state average. Livingway Tabernacle, Seventh Day Adventist Church and Bethel Pentecostal Church are all churches located in Modesto. The most prominent religious groups are the Catholic Church, the Salvation Army and the Assemblies of God.

Modesto is home to the King-Kennedy Center and the McClure Historical Country House as well as Muncy Park and John Muir Park. Shopping malls in the area include Roosevelt Shopping Center, Gregory Gardens Shopping Center and Western Plaza Shopping Center. Visitors to Modesto can choose from Best Western Town House Lodge, Apex Inn and Arrow Inn for temporary stays in the area.